Chapter 6
Late in the afternoon, Kagome and Inu-Yasha arrived home. Kagome went to go prepare food for her family as Inu-Yasha walked towards the room where Nauki lay unconscious. He had been thinking a lot about his daughter that he never knew was his. She meant everything to him, just as his other daughter and son. *It never occured to me that Nauki was created for the sole purpose of protecting me. It's like someone from above has been watching over me; that they knew about Naraku and his plots against humans and demons alike.*
"I will stay with you for all time....Nothing will come between us......Like rivers and mountains, they are merely obstacles that we must overcome, in order....to be together...No more words can be said for us to say....Tomorrow...we shall dance in the fields and sing of bright nights with shining memories," Aya sang, her claw running through her sleeping sister's hair. She watched Nauki with her pink eyes, trying to soothe her. Aya knew her sister didn't want to be unconscious, to be sleeping all of the time, but her body was trying to repair itself.
As Inu-Yasha walked down the hallway, he heard Aya singing softly. His heart started to race. Was something wrong with Nauki? He started to jog towards the room. His younger daughter would only sing if she was saddened by something. Just as he got to the room, he noticed Aya was holding Nauki, her head on her chest. "Aya."
Aya continued to look down, her claw still running through Nauki's hair. "I think Nia's going through her terrible two's. She's so grouchy when she wakes up." She heard her father come in. He stood near her, his eyes widening a little.
"Your sister woke up? When?" Inu-Yasha crouched down, he leaned over, examining Nauki carefully. He always checked her several times a day to make sure she was alright, and that her wound was healing.
"A little while ago. She wanted you, but I didn't know where you were." Aya looked up, noticing her father's surprised expression. "Papa, are you o.k.?"
His eyes softened as he leaned towards Aya. "Yeah, I'm fine, Moonbeam." He closed his eyes kissing her forehead. Reaching up, he put his claw to her head, then rubbed his cheek on her forehead. Aya could tell he was thinking. "What did Nauki do when she saw you?"
"She freaked out," Aya said softly. "She didn't want me near her, but she said she doesn't hate me. I was going to leave her alone....Nauki wanted me to stay. She tried to get up, but couldn't. She's too weak to move. Right after she woke up, Nia went back to sleep. I sang to her because it calmed her down."
"I'm hoping your sister will recover soon. I'm not used to her being so still," Inu-Yasha said sadly. He absentmindedly ran a finger down Nauki's cheek as he gazed at her. He had to take his eyes away, not able to remain in control of his emotions.
Aya looked up at him, she noticed how sad he appeared to be. "Papa, it's not your fault Nia got hurt. She loves you a lot. She's...not sure if you love her back. That's why she stays away." She looked off again, not wanting to see her father's eyes as he looked hurt at her.
Inu-Yasha knew it was the truth. He was so bent on worrying about everything else, and fighting off demons that he forgot that his family was the most important thing to him. His children wouldn't be children forever. Aya and Oda were already thirteen; Nauki was fixing to be sixteen-years-old. *If Nauki makes it through this, I promise to only be concerned about my family. I was alone so much of my life without one, that I forgot how important it is to have others who care about you.*
Nauki started to breathe deeper. Aya wasn't the only one with her. As she was half conscious, she could hear her father's heart beating. It called to her in sadness and in strength. He wanted her to be alright. Inu-Yasha was deeply concerned. *I want to get up......my body aches....*
"You can't get up yet. You're not better," Aya said. Her eyes narrowed. "Don't tell me to shut up, either......Or you can lay back on the floor in that uncomfortable position."
Inu-Yasha looked at his daughter. "Aya, is Little conscious?"
"Yeah, and she's as stubborn as ever," Aya said lowly. Her eyes shifted to Nauki who was still trying to wake up. Nauki's brow furrowed, her limbs jerking slightly. She was serious about getting up.
Inu-Yasha gently lifted her from Aya. He sat down, then put her into his lap as if she were still the two-year-old he had found a long time ago. Turning her around, he positioned her to where they were face-to-face. "Nauki?"
Aya watched her father as he tried to get Nauki to answer him. "She's being a pain. Nia's whining because she can't get up."
"Moonbeam," Inu-Yasha said sternly, "You have to understand. She died three weeks ago, and in those three weeks, she hasn't moved, ate, or opened her eyes. I can't blame your sister for wanting to get up. Nauki's not used to being still. She doesn't understand that her body is recovering."
Annoyed, Aya got up. "She was never around until now.......I know she got hurt, but Nauki doesn't have to do so to prove a point." Aya left.
Inu-Yasha had no idea what she was talking about. *Prove a point?* He let it go for now. "Little?" He touched her face gently. Nauki mrrphed slightly. She was trying her best to move, to get up. "Little it's alright. I'm here now." He watched as Nauki started to cry, small tears coming out of her eyes. He wiped her tears away with his thumb. "Shhhhhh. Little, it's alright," he said trying to comfort her.All he could do was hold her.
Inu-Yasha pressed the back of her head to him, then laid his head against hers. "Shhhh, Little One..It's o.k. I'm not going to leave you." Reluctantly, Nauki calmed down a little.
Faintly, she started to call his name. "Pa...pa.......Pa....pa...."
"Nauki," he choked, his throat tightening up. "It's alright, Little." Inu-Yasha wrapped his arms around her. As he closed his eyes, tears ran down his face. She meant so much to him. Nauki was the one responsible for opening him up, for making him realize there was a world without anger, deciet, and fear.
She could hear his heart beating fast, his breathing quickening, even the tears that were flowing down his face. Nauki had never felt him this sad before. She wasn't used to the feeling. At first, it scared her a little. Her father wasn't the one who usually opened himself, or let his emotions run wild. "Pa..pa...Pa..pa," she said, her breathing quickening.
Inu-Yasha sniffled slightly. He ran his claw through her bangs like he always did when he was unsure, or gazing thoughtfully at her. She needed him so much. "I'm not leaving your side, Little. Not until you're better and you don't need me anymore."
Nauki grabbed onto his kimono hard. "M.....y.........In...u....Ya..sh....a.........." She meant every word of it. He was her father. She would always need him. Whether it was for protection, or comfort. She loved him and she wanted him to be aware of it.
He laid his head on hers as he tried to calm down. Nauki wasn't dead yet. She was improving slowly, but steadily, or so he thought. "I love you with all of my heart, Little. Just please...try to fight this for me."
Nauki opened her eyes very, very slowly. She looked up at him, noticing the expression on his face. Grief was everywhere: in his voice, words, and in his touch. Nauki wasn't sure if she could fight anymore. She had been fighting for so long. Her body was tired and it wanted to give up. Once she had died, but the love of her father had brought her back. Nauki closed her eyes again, not able to stay focused for long.
Inu-Yasha wasn't able to contain how he felt anymore. In the past those that he had held dear were hurt because they were trying to protect him. He wanted his family to be secure. *All I want is for Little to be o.k.* Without realizing it, the tears started to flow down his face again as he gritted his teeth.
Kagome stood near the entrance to the room. She looked down at the floor sadly. In her hands she held a tray of food for Inu-Yasha. *If Nauki dies, it's going to tear Inu-Yasha apart more than what he's going through now.* Kagome glanced at him through the doorway. She could see him holding his daughter hard, his head lowered. *I don't know what to do.....*
A tall demon walked through the forest, his head downcast as he listened for any possible attack. His eyes remained still, serious, his expression stern. By his sides he had holstered two swords made of the strongest steel, and an animal's tail flowing in the breeze from around his waist. His armor was that of numerous forms of leather in order to protect him at all costs from his enemies. Around his forehead the demon wore a bandana to conceal the identity of the clan he belonged to. He was known as "Blade" to those who knew of him. To the hanyou he cared about, he was known as Kenaye. It was his true name.
Slowly he walked through the forest further still, his mind relenting on the past few days. It had just occured to him that he had not seen Nauki for many moons. Normally, Kenaye didn't dottle in another's affairs, but he found himself focused on her whereabouts. He sniffed the air, his ears picking up the sounds of familiar water. It was a river that was close to a nearby village where Nauki was usually sighted.
He bent down, running his claw through the cold water, his eyes focused on the crystal reflections the currents were making. *Where are you?* His posture stiffened. Narrowing his eyes, Kenaye moved his claw out of the water, his posture stiff. "Why are you here," he demanded, not liking the youth for his ill regards towards others.
The raven colored hair flashed into view out of the corner of his eye. The boy stood behind him, golden eyes as serious as ever. He made no move towards the demon. Looking down, Oda clenched his fists. It was hard enough as it was to confront Kenaye, Nauki's friend. Kenaye didn't like him from the start. There had been a lot of wrongs Oda had done over the years to both of his sisters and the ones who took care of him. He had to do it. Nauki would want him to, he supposed. It was the least he could do for her. "Nia's hurt," Oda said seriously, his eyes fixated on Kenaye's back.
Kenaye didn't know whether to believe the youth or not. He rose slowly, not turning around. His eyes went back to search amongst the currents of the river. "What do you mean," he asked back.
Oda could tell Kenaye wasn't buying it. He closed his eyes in frustration. This time he was telling the truth; this time she was hurt and he was trying to help. "Why can't you believe me," he asked, his voice cracking.
"It's hard to believe one such as you. One who does not usually tell the truth, or show kindess to others. You cannot pretend to be what you are not, any longer," Kenaye informed him. He listened. Oda didn't respond. Intriguingly, he turned around. "It's not like you not to backtalk with harsh words." Kenaye raised a brow. "What is wrong with you?"
Oda gritted his teeth, his head lowering. "I am telling the truth. I have no reason to lie to you. F-Forgive me for a-anything I have done in the past," he begged. He held both of his claws up in apology just like he had seen Miroku do a time or two. Slowly, the monk's teachings were befalling on him. It was not something he could escape.
Kenaye didn't understand. Oda had never in his entire life asked anyone to forgive him before. He had never cared. Oda did what he did, there was no excuse or reason in any of his actions. "There has to be reason for your actions. Tell me." His eyes narrowed again, thinking the boy was hiding something from him. "You have no reason to befriend me, or seek me out."
"I'm not trying to," the boy said softly. "Nauki jumped in front of an attack that was meant for my father. She..did it to save him...Haven't you noticed she's not been around? She hasn't been tagging along after you?" Oda watched the demon.
"I have noticed. I notice things that you do not. I notice the way your voice is shaking, and how you are filled with regret and grief. I am a full demon. However, I still cannot comprehend why you are telling me. Normally it would be another's place to seek me. Are you trying to change yourself?"
"I'm trying to make everything right again," Oda said hoarsly. "I don't mean anything I say, or do. Your Nauki's friend and that's why I came, instead of Aya. Our parents came back from the well where they were lost."
"So you're telling me in hopes that I will comfort you, is that it?" Kenaye still didn't know how badly injured Nauki was. He wasn't going to outright ask; the boy knew it.
"I don't ask for your pity, or your sympathy. I came to tell you because you are Nauki's friend. Aunt Sango said friends are forever and that they care about each other."
"What makes you even assume that I am knowledgeable about your sister's life," Kenaye asked turning back around to the water.
"If you didn't know anything about her, and didn't care, you could face me. Nauki was hurt weeks ago. I know you care about her because you don't drive her off like a true demon. You accepted her. I think it worries you about where your loyalties ly," Oda shot back. He was tired of Kenaye's arrogance.
"Maybe I am worried...," he said to himself. "Regardless, that is my business." Kenaye turned back around to face the boy. "You have guts kid. I'll give you that. Where is your sister now..?"
He stood before the cottage in the middle of the night, his posture stiff. He had never gone inside before, but he knew this was the place. Their scents were all over the area. His eyes narrowed. There were two scents he didn't know.
*Should I go in? Oda said she's hurt really bad. I still don't understand why he told me.* Kenaye faded out, literally. His body became irredescent and transparent as if he were a ghost. Cautiously, he walked through the entrance. Even though he couldn't be seen, he was in an unfamiliar place and very cautious.
Keanye walked slowly through the hut, his eyes and ears alert. One sound was all it would take to alert the hanyous that he was in their territory. He sniffed the air strongly. It smelled as if someone was on the verge of death. He walked further following the scent of death.
There he found her.
Without realizing it, Kenaye faded in, his face in utter shock.Nauki was laying on her back, her hair laid out underneath her, dog ears showing, as she was wrapped in bloodied bondages. He walked closer, his heart racing.
Over the past six months, he had grown fond of her. So fond, he was afraid he was in love with her. Nauki had always been by his side. She watched his back when he got into fights and followed him, despite his annoyance at her.
"N...N...auki?" Kenaye practially ran to her side, his mind only alerted to her injury. He sat quickly, his hand softly going over her body. He didn't watn to risk hurting her. It hurt him to look at her in her wounded condition.
Kenaye breathed in sharply, his senses were alerted to someone moving about. Someone knew he was there. He concentrated then faded out instantly a few seconds before the being entered the room. Inuyasha narrowed his eyes. He knew he had caught the scent of a full demon's prescence, but where was it now? He walked softly on the wooden floor, his eyes darting left and right trying to catch a glance of anything out of the ordinary.
He kneeled down by his daughter. *As long as you're alright, Little.* Inuyasha touched her face tenderly. Nauki's head turned slightly towards his claw. *You know I'm here, don't you, Nauki?*
From the wall, Kenaye watched Inuyasha check his daughter. *So that's her father, the one with the famous Tetsuiga my father spoke of in the past. He really loves her.* Kenaye walked backwards leaving Inuyasha to tend to Nauki. *I can't believe Nauki is laying there like that. Where the hell was I when she needed me,* he thought angrily as he walked back through the woods.
Aya hung the clothes on the line. Oda walked up behind her, scratching his head. "Kenaye was here," she informed him. Oda looked up, his claw pausing. "Not now. Last night." Oda lowered his claw, watching his sister's back. "You told him about Nia. I thank you for that."
"He had to know. I think he's in love with her. He wont' admit it."
"From the shock and anger I felt from him last night, he is," Aya confirmed. "If he loves her, he'll stay with her."
"You sound like Uncle Miroku," Oda said stretching his arms.
Aya smiled as she lifted the clothes basket. "Sometimes, he makes a lot of sense."
Oda narrowed his eyes. "I hate it when you do that," he griped.
"Do what," Inuyasha asked from the doorway.
The twins looked back to see their father with his arms crossed over his chest. "Nothing, papa," they both said in unision.
Inuyasha walked down the back steps eying them. "You two are up to something."
"Papa, would you get mad if we told you Nauki's friend is worried about her and wants to help her," Aya asked.
"No.....I wouldn't get mad. What...kind....of "friend" are we talking about," Inuyasha asked, searching his daughter's features for the answer.
"A Special friend, Papa."
"Moonbeam........what.......kind of......"friend"."
Aya paused. "Um...a...full...demon...."
Inuyasha stared at Aya. *That was who I felt last night!* "Moonbeam," Inuyasha said gritting his teeth, "Tell me about Nauki's friend."
Late in the afternoon, Kagome and Inu-Yasha arrived home. Kagome went to go prepare food for her family as Inu-Yasha walked towards the room where Nauki lay unconscious. He had been thinking a lot about his daughter that he never knew was his. She meant everything to him, just as his other daughter and son. *It never occured to me that Nauki was created for the sole purpose of protecting me. It's like someone from above has been watching over me; that they knew about Naraku and his plots against humans and demons alike.*
"I will stay with you for all time....Nothing will come between us......Like rivers and mountains, they are merely obstacles that we must overcome, in order....to be together...No more words can be said for us to say....Tomorrow...we shall dance in the fields and sing of bright nights with shining memories," Aya sang, her claw running through her sleeping sister's hair. She watched Nauki with her pink eyes, trying to soothe her. Aya knew her sister didn't want to be unconscious, to be sleeping all of the time, but her body was trying to repair itself.
As Inu-Yasha walked down the hallway, he heard Aya singing softly. His heart started to race. Was something wrong with Nauki? He started to jog towards the room. His younger daughter would only sing if she was saddened by something. Just as he got to the room, he noticed Aya was holding Nauki, her head on her chest. "Aya."
Aya continued to look down, her claw still running through Nauki's hair. "I think Nia's going through her terrible two's. She's so grouchy when she wakes up." She heard her father come in. He stood near her, his eyes widening a little.
"Your sister woke up? When?" Inu-Yasha crouched down, he leaned over, examining Nauki carefully. He always checked her several times a day to make sure she was alright, and that her wound was healing.
"A little while ago. She wanted you, but I didn't know where you were." Aya looked up, noticing her father's surprised expression. "Papa, are you o.k.?"
His eyes softened as he leaned towards Aya. "Yeah, I'm fine, Moonbeam." He closed his eyes kissing her forehead. Reaching up, he put his claw to her head, then rubbed his cheek on her forehead. Aya could tell he was thinking. "What did Nauki do when she saw you?"
"She freaked out," Aya said softly. "She didn't want me near her, but she said she doesn't hate me. I was going to leave her alone....Nauki wanted me to stay. She tried to get up, but couldn't. She's too weak to move. Right after she woke up, Nia went back to sleep. I sang to her because it calmed her down."
"I'm hoping your sister will recover soon. I'm not used to her being so still," Inu-Yasha said sadly. He absentmindedly ran a finger down Nauki's cheek as he gazed at her. He had to take his eyes away, not able to remain in control of his emotions.
Aya looked up at him, she noticed how sad he appeared to be. "Papa, it's not your fault Nia got hurt. She loves you a lot. She's...not sure if you love her back. That's why she stays away." She looked off again, not wanting to see her father's eyes as he looked hurt at her.
Inu-Yasha knew it was the truth. He was so bent on worrying about everything else, and fighting off demons that he forgot that his family was the most important thing to him. His children wouldn't be children forever. Aya and Oda were already thirteen; Nauki was fixing to be sixteen-years-old. *If Nauki makes it through this, I promise to only be concerned about my family. I was alone so much of my life without one, that I forgot how important it is to have others who care about you.*
Nauki started to breathe deeper. Aya wasn't the only one with her. As she was half conscious, she could hear her father's heart beating. It called to her in sadness and in strength. He wanted her to be alright. Inu-Yasha was deeply concerned. *I want to get up......my body aches....*
"You can't get up yet. You're not better," Aya said. Her eyes narrowed. "Don't tell me to shut up, either......Or you can lay back on the floor in that uncomfortable position."
Inu-Yasha looked at his daughter. "Aya, is Little conscious?"
"Yeah, and she's as stubborn as ever," Aya said lowly. Her eyes shifted to Nauki who was still trying to wake up. Nauki's brow furrowed, her limbs jerking slightly. She was serious about getting up.
Inu-Yasha gently lifted her from Aya. He sat down, then put her into his lap as if she were still the two-year-old he had found a long time ago. Turning her around, he positioned her to where they were face-to-face. "Nauki?"
Aya watched her father as he tried to get Nauki to answer him. "She's being a pain. Nia's whining because she can't get up."
"Moonbeam," Inu-Yasha said sternly, "You have to understand. She died three weeks ago, and in those three weeks, she hasn't moved, ate, or opened her eyes. I can't blame your sister for wanting to get up. Nauki's not used to being still. She doesn't understand that her body is recovering."
Annoyed, Aya got up. "She was never around until now.......I know she got hurt, but Nauki doesn't have to do so to prove a point." Aya left.
Inu-Yasha had no idea what she was talking about. *Prove a point?* He let it go for now. "Little?" He touched her face gently. Nauki mrrphed slightly. She was trying her best to move, to get up. "Little it's alright. I'm here now." He watched as Nauki started to cry, small tears coming out of her eyes. He wiped her tears away with his thumb. "Shhhhhh. Little, it's alright," he said trying to comfort her.All he could do was hold her.
Inu-Yasha pressed the back of her head to him, then laid his head against hers. "Shhhh, Little One..It's o.k. I'm not going to leave you." Reluctantly, Nauki calmed down a little.
Faintly, she started to call his name. "Pa...pa.......Pa....pa...."
"Nauki," he choked, his throat tightening up. "It's alright, Little." Inu-Yasha wrapped his arms around her. As he closed his eyes, tears ran down his face. She meant so much to him. Nauki was the one responsible for opening him up, for making him realize there was a world without anger, deciet, and fear.
She could hear his heart beating fast, his breathing quickening, even the tears that were flowing down his face. Nauki had never felt him this sad before. She wasn't used to the feeling. At first, it scared her a little. Her father wasn't the one who usually opened himself, or let his emotions run wild. "Pa..pa...Pa..pa," she said, her breathing quickening.
Inu-Yasha sniffled slightly. He ran his claw through her bangs like he always did when he was unsure, or gazing thoughtfully at her. She needed him so much. "I'm not leaving your side, Little. Not until you're better and you don't need me anymore."
Nauki grabbed onto his kimono hard. "M.....y.........In...u....Ya..sh....a.........." She meant every word of it. He was her father. She would always need him. Whether it was for protection, or comfort. She loved him and she wanted him to be aware of it.
He laid his head on hers as he tried to calm down. Nauki wasn't dead yet. She was improving slowly, but steadily, or so he thought. "I love you with all of my heart, Little. Just please...try to fight this for me."
Nauki opened her eyes very, very slowly. She looked up at him, noticing the expression on his face. Grief was everywhere: in his voice, words, and in his touch. Nauki wasn't sure if she could fight anymore. She had been fighting for so long. Her body was tired and it wanted to give up. Once she had died, but the love of her father had brought her back. Nauki closed her eyes again, not able to stay focused for long.
Inu-Yasha wasn't able to contain how he felt anymore. In the past those that he had held dear were hurt because they were trying to protect him. He wanted his family to be secure. *All I want is for Little to be o.k.* Without realizing it, the tears started to flow down his face again as he gritted his teeth.
Kagome stood near the entrance to the room. She looked down at the floor sadly. In her hands she held a tray of food for Inu-Yasha. *If Nauki dies, it's going to tear Inu-Yasha apart more than what he's going through now.* Kagome glanced at him through the doorway. She could see him holding his daughter hard, his head lowered. *I don't know what to do.....*
A tall demon walked through the forest, his head downcast as he listened for any possible attack. His eyes remained still, serious, his expression stern. By his sides he had holstered two swords made of the strongest steel, and an animal's tail flowing in the breeze from around his waist. His armor was that of numerous forms of leather in order to protect him at all costs from his enemies. Around his forehead the demon wore a bandana to conceal the identity of the clan he belonged to. He was known as "Blade" to those who knew of him. To the hanyou he cared about, he was known as Kenaye. It was his true name.
Slowly he walked through the forest further still, his mind relenting on the past few days. It had just occured to him that he had not seen Nauki for many moons. Normally, Kenaye didn't dottle in another's affairs, but he found himself focused on her whereabouts. He sniffed the air, his ears picking up the sounds of familiar water. It was a river that was close to a nearby village where Nauki was usually sighted.
He bent down, running his claw through the cold water, his eyes focused on the crystal reflections the currents were making. *Where are you?* His posture stiffened. Narrowing his eyes, Kenaye moved his claw out of the water, his posture stiff. "Why are you here," he demanded, not liking the youth for his ill regards towards others.
The raven colored hair flashed into view out of the corner of his eye. The boy stood behind him, golden eyes as serious as ever. He made no move towards the demon. Looking down, Oda clenched his fists. It was hard enough as it was to confront Kenaye, Nauki's friend. Kenaye didn't like him from the start. There had been a lot of wrongs Oda had done over the years to both of his sisters and the ones who took care of him. He had to do it. Nauki would want him to, he supposed. It was the least he could do for her. "Nia's hurt," Oda said seriously, his eyes fixated on Kenaye's back.
Kenaye didn't know whether to believe the youth or not. He rose slowly, not turning around. His eyes went back to search amongst the currents of the river. "What do you mean," he asked back.
Oda could tell Kenaye wasn't buying it. He closed his eyes in frustration. This time he was telling the truth; this time she was hurt and he was trying to help. "Why can't you believe me," he asked, his voice cracking.
"It's hard to believe one such as you. One who does not usually tell the truth, or show kindess to others. You cannot pretend to be what you are not, any longer," Kenaye informed him. He listened. Oda didn't respond. Intriguingly, he turned around. "It's not like you not to backtalk with harsh words." Kenaye raised a brow. "What is wrong with you?"
Oda gritted his teeth, his head lowering. "I am telling the truth. I have no reason to lie to you. F-Forgive me for a-anything I have done in the past," he begged. He held both of his claws up in apology just like he had seen Miroku do a time or two. Slowly, the monk's teachings were befalling on him. It was not something he could escape.
Kenaye didn't understand. Oda had never in his entire life asked anyone to forgive him before. He had never cared. Oda did what he did, there was no excuse or reason in any of his actions. "There has to be reason for your actions. Tell me." His eyes narrowed again, thinking the boy was hiding something from him. "You have no reason to befriend me, or seek me out."
"I'm not trying to," the boy said softly. "Nauki jumped in front of an attack that was meant for my father. She..did it to save him...Haven't you noticed she's not been around? She hasn't been tagging along after you?" Oda watched the demon.
"I have noticed. I notice things that you do not. I notice the way your voice is shaking, and how you are filled with regret and grief. I am a full demon. However, I still cannot comprehend why you are telling me. Normally it would be another's place to seek me. Are you trying to change yourself?"
"I'm trying to make everything right again," Oda said hoarsly. "I don't mean anything I say, or do. Your Nauki's friend and that's why I came, instead of Aya. Our parents came back from the well where they were lost."
"So you're telling me in hopes that I will comfort you, is that it?" Kenaye still didn't know how badly injured Nauki was. He wasn't going to outright ask; the boy knew it.
"I don't ask for your pity, or your sympathy. I came to tell you because you are Nauki's friend. Aunt Sango said friends are forever and that they care about each other."
"What makes you even assume that I am knowledgeable about your sister's life," Kenaye asked turning back around to the water.
"If you didn't know anything about her, and didn't care, you could face me. Nauki was hurt weeks ago. I know you care about her because you don't drive her off like a true demon. You accepted her. I think it worries you about where your loyalties ly," Oda shot back. He was tired of Kenaye's arrogance.
"Maybe I am worried...," he said to himself. "Regardless, that is my business." Kenaye turned back around to face the boy. "You have guts kid. I'll give you that. Where is your sister now..?"
He stood before the cottage in the middle of the night, his posture stiff. He had never gone inside before, but he knew this was the place. Their scents were all over the area. His eyes narrowed. There were two scents he didn't know.
*Should I go in? Oda said she's hurt really bad. I still don't understand why he told me.* Kenaye faded out, literally. His body became irredescent and transparent as if he were a ghost. Cautiously, he walked through the entrance. Even though he couldn't be seen, he was in an unfamiliar place and very cautious.
Keanye walked slowly through the hut, his eyes and ears alert. One sound was all it would take to alert the hanyous that he was in their territory. He sniffed the air strongly. It smelled as if someone was on the verge of death. He walked further following the scent of death.
There he found her.
Without realizing it, Kenaye faded in, his face in utter shock.Nauki was laying on her back, her hair laid out underneath her, dog ears showing, as she was wrapped in bloodied bondages. He walked closer, his heart racing.
Over the past six months, he had grown fond of her. So fond, he was afraid he was in love with her. Nauki had always been by his side. She watched his back when he got into fights and followed him, despite his annoyance at her.
"N...N...auki?" Kenaye practially ran to her side, his mind only alerted to her injury. He sat quickly, his hand softly going over her body. He didn't watn to risk hurting her. It hurt him to look at her in her wounded condition.
Kenaye breathed in sharply, his senses were alerted to someone moving about. Someone knew he was there. He concentrated then faded out instantly a few seconds before the being entered the room. Inuyasha narrowed his eyes. He knew he had caught the scent of a full demon's prescence, but where was it now? He walked softly on the wooden floor, his eyes darting left and right trying to catch a glance of anything out of the ordinary.
He kneeled down by his daughter. *As long as you're alright, Little.* Inuyasha touched her face tenderly. Nauki's head turned slightly towards his claw. *You know I'm here, don't you, Nauki?*
From the wall, Kenaye watched Inuyasha check his daughter. *So that's her father, the one with the famous Tetsuiga my father spoke of in the past. He really loves her.* Kenaye walked backwards leaving Inuyasha to tend to Nauki. *I can't believe Nauki is laying there like that. Where the hell was I when she needed me,* he thought angrily as he walked back through the woods.
Aya hung the clothes on the line. Oda walked up behind her, scratching his head. "Kenaye was here," she informed him. Oda looked up, his claw pausing. "Not now. Last night." Oda lowered his claw, watching his sister's back. "You told him about Nia. I thank you for that."
"He had to know. I think he's in love with her. He wont' admit it."
"From the shock and anger I felt from him last night, he is," Aya confirmed. "If he loves her, he'll stay with her."
"You sound like Uncle Miroku," Oda said stretching his arms.
Aya smiled as she lifted the clothes basket. "Sometimes, he makes a lot of sense."
Oda narrowed his eyes. "I hate it when you do that," he griped.
"Do what," Inuyasha asked from the doorway.
The twins looked back to see their father with his arms crossed over his chest. "Nothing, papa," they both said in unision.
Inuyasha walked down the back steps eying them. "You two are up to something."
"Papa, would you get mad if we told you Nauki's friend is worried about her and wants to help her," Aya asked.
"No.....I wouldn't get mad. What...kind....of "friend" are we talking about," Inuyasha asked, searching his daughter's features for the answer.
"A Special friend, Papa."
"Moonbeam........what.......kind of......"friend"."
Aya paused. "Um...a...full...demon...."
Inuyasha stared at Aya. *That was who I felt last night!* "Moonbeam," Inuyasha said gritting his teeth, "Tell me about Nauki's friend."